Althorp.Com Theodorealexander.Com FOREWORD
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spencerofalthorp.com theodorealexander.com FOREWORD The histories of the Spencer Family’s Heritage and Althorp are so tightly entwined that they would be impossible to unravel and separate. All the Spencers’ favourite possessions, which have cascaded down the generations, have ended up in Althorp, this most English of houses, just an hour north of London. Enter its 550- acre park, and you find yourself in a peaceful setting that radiates timeless good taste, with its swathes of fine English oaks stretching out in every direction, while the family’s rare herd of black fallow deer graze beneath. It’s a scene familiar to each of the 19 generations of Spencers who have known and loved this corner of England. When Columbus was sailing towards America, my family were farming here. When Britain was defying Hitler, it was a Spencer cousin who helped lead the way – our wartime prime minister’s full family name was Spencer-Churchill, though everyone shortens him to Winston Churchill. All through history, during the past five centuries or more, it seems you will find a Spencer there or thereabouts, making their mark, doing their best. These Spencer ancestors were able to indulge their tastes – to commission art, furniture, and all the finer things in life. You can see the Spencer touch in every corner of Althorp – this historic house that my family CONTENTS has called “home” for over 500 years, and which for the past decade, has been given unprecedented care and attention. A massive programme of restoration and repair has taken place, which our partnership with Theodore Alexander has certainly helped. I like to think that, for generations, the house has looked Tables 8 after the furniture. Recently, the very finest handmade reproductions of that furniture by Theodore Alexander have helped restore the house to the very best condition. It seems right and fair. Seating and Upholstery 26 It is not just the tangible pieces that make up a family’s heritage, of course: it is the people themselves. While the continued ownership and enjoyment of this great Cabinets 48 house by my family is something that I remain always so grateful for, I never forget the expectations and hopes of generations gone by. Desks 70 This house, this family – together, they sum up something that is authentic and pure, historic yet still deeply relevant. Althorp has a living history, yes. But, Mirrors and Console Tables 76 underpinning it all is that factor that sets the tone, and sums up the good fortune, the continuity and the fine taste that underscore everything tangible and intangible connected with this exceptional furniture Dining Tables and Chairs 82 line - something I call Spencer Heritage. Beds 92 Victory Oak 99 Lighting and Accessories 118 Charles Edward Maurice, 9th Earl Spencer Owners of Althorp [1500s to 1783] John Spencer, created George John, 2nd Earl Spencer Sir John Spencer, Kt, Earl Spencer bought Althorp 1508 (. 1522) married Isabell Graunt Sir William Spencer, Kt, (. 1532) married Susan Knightly Sir John Spencer, Kt, (. 1586) married Katherine Kitson Sir John Spencer, Kt, (. 1599) married Mary Catlyn, 1566 Sir Robert Spencer 1570 - 1627 Created Baron Spencer of Wormleighton married Margaret Willoughby, 1587 John Charles, 3rd Earl Spencer Frederick, 4th Earl Spencer (. 1597) William, 2nd Baron Spencer, KB 1591 - 1636 married Lady Penelope Wriothesley, 1614 1598 - 1667 Henry, 3rd Baron Spencer 1620 - 1643 created Earl of Sunderland , KG 1643 married Lady Dorothy Sidney, 1639 1617 - 1684 Robert, 2nd Earl of Sunderland, KG 1641 - 1702 married Lady Anne Digby, 1665 1646 - 1715 Charles, 3rd Earl of Sunderland, KG 1675 - 1722 John Poyntz, 5th Earl Spencer Charles Robert, 6th Earl Spencer Althorp by John Vosterman 1677. 1) married Lady Arabella Cavendish, 1695 This shows the original red brick, before it was tiled. 1673 - 1698, 2) married Lady Anne Churchill, 1699 (. 1716) 3) married Judith Tichbourne, 1717 (. 1749) Althorp was built with classically aristocratic aims in mind - to perceived to be willful ignorance, when, in truth, he was asking way demonstrate the wealth and power of the early Spencers, to show too much of his audience’s intellect. off their exquisite collections (of art, furniture, books, silver and Robert, 4th Earl of Sutherland 1701 - 1729* porcelain), and to entertain. My father, by contrast, just adored people. He chatted happily with all comers to Althorp, as at ease with a prince as with a primary Charles, 5th Earl of Sunderland, But there was always an understanding that the owners of this school teacher. He was modern in his outlook - sharing Althorp 3rd Duke of Malborough, KG 1706 - 1758* great house had an obligation to share their good fortune with with enormous generosity, and without snobbery. (quitted Althorp 1734) others. Distinguished visitors - kings, queens, foreign dignitaries - had only to ask, and the doors of this private palace were of course I’ve had the privilege of being in charge of Althorp, for quarter of Hon. John Spencer, 1708 - 1746* thrown open. But guests with less rarefied backgrounds could also a century now. I’ve certainly received some interesting guests - married Lady Georgina Carteret, 1734 ask to enjoy the contents - and a discreet tip placed in the hand of including former presidents Mandela and Gorbachev - and, through Albert Edward John, Edward John, 8th Earl Spencer 1716 - 1780 the head housekeeper would secure a tour, if the family’s privacy the annual Althorp Literary Festival, a never-ending stream of 7th Earl Spencer was not unduly compromised. internationally acclaimed figures: novelists, sportsmen, comedians, John Spencer, created Earl Spencer 1765 politicians, and experts in dozens of fields. Meanwhile, my wife 1734 - 1783 These historic houses were dynamic places, full of bustle and Karen has called on Althorp to support the excellent charity that married Georgiana Poyntz, 1775 industry ensuring the occupying family could lead pampered, she founded and runs - Whole Child International - which assists 1737 - 1814 smoothly-run, lives: even a little over a century ago, Althorp orphaned and abandoned children in the Developing World. employed 65 permanent house staff, while another 45 worked in the gardens and Park, and a further 40 grooms attended the But the high points of our year are those weekends when we fill horses in the Stables. There was therefore less of a problem in Althorp with family and friends, as the 18 preceding generations *Son of Charles, 3rd Earl of Sunderland absorbing a few extra people, curious to see the splendours within. of my family have done for 500 years. The original builder and and Lady Anne Churchill occupant of Althorp - Sir John Spencer - left it as a condition of After the First World War there was a drastic belt-tightening his Will that Althorp should always be a place of entertainment. in England’s stately homes. It was hard to find staff, and estate It’s not a tough duty to fulfill - whether with loved ones, or incomes dipped while taxes rose. Between the wars, my interested outsiders. It was never designed to be a place to hide grandfather (Jack - the 7th Earl Spencer) often welcomed visitors away in - it was painted on the broadest possible canvas, as that shared his keen appreciation of the house and its chattels. something spectacular that demanded widespread admiration His diaries show he was less thrilled by those who couldn’t match and appreciation. his knowledge - he was almost comically scathing of what he Charles Edward Maurice, 9th Earl Spencer TABLES TABLES TABLES AL52014 AL51057 OPTIONS AVAILABLE: BODDINGTON GAME TABLE MARLBOROUGH GALLERY COCKTAIL TABLE AL51057.C280: With gold accents. The perfect addition to any room, this hand- With hand carved legs inspired by one of Althorp’s AL51058: Without Gallery. carved convertible game table is designed with original fire guards, the Marlborough Gallery Cocktail a Zebrali swirl veneered top and distinguished table is crafted from Khaya mahogany that radiates AL51058.C280: Without Gallery leather inlay. The serpentine molded edges in any space. This table is designed with a fine wavy and with gold accents. handsomely complement the hidden frieze drawer X cast brass scrolling on each side and an undulating atop finely carved acanthus leaf cabriole legs. hand-carved acanthus leaf scroll apron. Seen here in our Morris finish. 371/2 x 371/2 x 303/4 in | 95.3 x 95.3 x 78.1 cm Available with gold accents version: 551/2 x 353/4 x 21 in | 141 x 90.5 x 53.3 cm AL52014.C281 AL50194 MARLBOROUGH END TABLE Sophisticatedly carved from Khaya mahogany, the Marlborough End Table displays a serpentine edge top in the Morris finish. With a hand carved acanthus leaf scroll apron, this table rests on slender acantus chippendale legs inspired by one of Althorp’s original fire guards and is joined at the base by acanthus leaf carved arched stretchers. Detail of AL51057.C280 28 x 28 x 26 in | 71.1 x 71.1 x 66 cm Available with gold accents version: AL50194.C280 10 11 TABLES TABLES AL50193 SUNDERLAND SMALL END TABLE Small but commanding, this end table has graceful serpentine edges with brass detailing including a banded frieze drawer with a fluted top post resting on intricate AL51056 hand-carved spiral twist supports. You will SUNDERLAND COCKTAIL TABLE find a Morado banded undertier underneath on fluted peg feet with fine brass cappings. A dignified take on a traditional classic, this handmade cocktail table is designed with captivating serpentine edges 20 x 20 x 26 in | 50.80 x 50.80 x 66.00 cm decorated using only the finest brass details. A banded Available with gold accents version: frieze drawer is joined with an elegantly fluted top post AL50193.C279 atop spiraled hand-twisted supports.